Signing checklist for Connecticut

The signing steps in Connecticut law, step by step. Pick your documents to see them.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Short answer

This checklist lists the signing rules in Connecticut law. It does not check whether your document is valid.

Choose your form Durable Statutory Power of Attorney - Short Form and Long Form. You do not have to use it. You do not have to use these forms; any other form may be used. The statutory short and long forms say they must be acknowledged by you in the manner for acknowledging a conveyance of real property (before a notary or commissioner of the Superior Court), and they have lines for two witnesses. Neither form covers health care decisions. Official text
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-352
Sign it Dated and signed by you, or by another person who signs your name in your conscious physical presence at your direction.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d, 1-352
Notary or witnesses A power of attorney must be dated, signed by you (or for you in your presence at your direction) and witnessed by two witnesses. A notary is not required by the Act, but a signature acknowledged before a notary or commissioner of the Superior Court is presumed genuine, and the statutory short and long forms call for acknowledgment.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d, 1-352
The agent signs too No separate acceptance form is required. An agent accepts by acting under the power of attorney or by other conduct showing acceptance.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d, 1-352

Choose your form Health care instructions, appointment of health care representative, designation of conservator and anatomical gift - combined form. You do not have to use it. Official text
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-575a, 19a-577
Sign it Signed and dated by you.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-575, 19a-575a, 19a-576, 19a-578
Notary or witnesses Sign and date the document in front of two adult witnesses, who also sign. Your health care representative cannot be a witness. Notarization is not required; the witnesses may optionally sign a sworn affidavit, which makes the document easier to prove.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-575, 19a-575a, 19a-576, 19a-578
Who cannot witness Two adult witnesses must sign. The person you appoint as health care representative cannot be a witness.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-575, 19a-575a, 19a-576, 19a-578
If you live in a nursing facility If you live in a facility operated or licensed by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, at least one witness must not be affiliated with the facility and at least one must be a physician, APRN or licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in treating mental illness. If you live in a facility operated or licensed by the Department of Developmental Services, the same applies with training in developmental disabilities.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-575, 19a-575a, 19a-576, 19a-578

Give copies to the right people Keep the signed documents in a safe place and give copies to your health care proxy and your doctors. Some states have registries that store an advance directive for doctors and your proxy.

This checklist lists the signing rules in Connecticut law. It does not check whether your document is valid.